1953 Otca

I finished up the rebuild of this 18' 1953 OT Otca at the end of March. Finally got it out of the basement yesterday for some photos. Weight is 85-90 lbs(!). This is my first wood canvas canoe. Just a few ribs needed to be replaced, backside repair on a couple others. New ash gunwales, in and out. Tips were rebuilt. Made new ash seat frames and caned them. Added carry thwarts to bow and stern. Matte Epiphanes varnish, canvas and Kirby See Red paint. Learned a lot and it's far from perfect. I have a 1937 18' Guide to do next that's in a lot better shape. Cant wait!

 

Looks fantastic!

 

Got the family out for the first paddle today. Great weather. No leaks and and it paddles fairly well. Good and stable which is good for the kids. They did well, the youngest even slept for about an hour. Glad to hear them ask when we're going again!

 

Nice job.............and nice to see a young family out in a W & C canoe!

 

Inspiring, hope to have mine done before the end of summer!

 

It was a slow process for me, but worthwhile. Went for a paddle on the river last weekend. Had to walk it upstream once. Coming back down was fun, the girls had a ball going over some rollers. Didn't catch anything, but had a nice lunch on a beautiful day.

 

Can you tell me which Kirby paint you used?

 

Howie,
I used 2 coats of Kirby primer and then 3 or 4 coats of Kirby #08 See Red.

 

I like see red too. I buy several cans at a time.